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“I’m fine. Good for her. I'm sure she’ll do a great job.”
Jackson’s expression is shuttered, and I know better than to push. He’ll talk when he’s ready. Or not. I’m not one for deep and meaningful conversations, so I respect his privacy.
“Charity?”
My head whips up as Julianna says her name, and my eyes seek out the woman who’s haunted my dreams for more years than I care to remember.
Charity is standing on the periphery near the stage. Tall and blonde, with sparkling blue eyes and a perpetually sunny disposition that puts my grumpy ass to shame. Despite her positive outlook, she’s shy. She’s uncomfortable being the center of attention and almost drops the lampshade she’s adjusting on a small table when she hears her name.
Embarrassed color runs up her neck into her cheeks as everyone turns to look at her. “Sorry, yes. I’ll be here,” she says, answering Julianna’s question and confirming she’ll be on set today.
I know she’s nervous, and I clench my hands into fists at my sides, resisting the urge to stalk over there and sweep her up in my arms. This is her first big job, and making a good impression means a lot to her. She’s worked damn hard in the last few years to get her passion off the ground. I’m damned proud of her, and I know Luke would be too.
Did he know how I felt about his sister? I thought I’d hidden my feelings for his younger sister well. Not that it matters now. Jennie cured my love of Christmas, and my promise to Luke put the brakes on any romantic thoughts I may have had about Charity.
The meeting finally ends, and I stand, ready to get to work. Jackson does the same, heading off to talk to the director. My cock stirs as I watch Charity walk off stage, following the sway of her heart-shaped ass. What would it be like to hold her, taste her lips, and mold her body to mine? She’s always been off-limits, but being here with her, working on the same movie, it feels like the universe is taunting me.
* * *
Charity
This afternoon, I’m tasked with setting up the first scene for Scarlett and Kane, the leading actors. I carefully drop the props onto a table and begin arranging everything. Luca Regis, the director, was specific about what he wanted, and I stick to the brief as closely as possible. No way do I want to upset that man on the first day of filming. While it’s exciting to be working with such a talented, high-profile director, he’s not known for his warm and fuzzy disposition—unless he’s around Audrey, the hair and makeup artist. Luca looks at her as if he wants to gobble her up like a succulent turkey with all the trimmings. Okay, that’s probably not very complimentary to Audrey, who is stunning with her long, chestnut hair, slim figure, and warm personality.
I frown as I notice the way the lights have been set up. Something isn’t quite right. Can’t have Scarlett or Kane cast in shadow. I narrow my gaze, inspecting the area until I find the cause of the shadow.
The great big false Christmas tree provided by the studio.A dusty plastic monstrosity one of the stagehands must have placed here.
An involuntary shudder runs through me.Ugh. I hate fake Christmas trees with a passion. Give me the real deal any day with its glorious pine and woody fragrance. Add the aroma of crisp peppermint candy canes, cinnamon sticks, and freshly baked sugar cookies, and you’ve got the embodiment of Christmas right there.
I quickly stride over to the tree. A closer inspection only confirms my suspicions. It’s an ugly monstrosity. I turn to see Luca scanning the room. His gaze lands on me and then the fugly tree. A jolt of nervousness whips through me as he walks toward me.
“Is everything ready, Charity?” he asks, stopping in front of me.
“Yes, everything’s set up according to your specifications,” I reply confidently, trying to hide my nerves.
“Good. I trust you’ll be able to make it work,” he says, looking at the tree.
I swallow hard. “Actually, Mr. Regis, I think this tree is too big and will cast shadows on Scarlett and Kane. I'm sure that's not part of your vision for the scene.”
Luca raises an eyebrow, intrigued. “Go ahead and remove it then.”
I nod. "I'll do it right now," I say, feeling a rush of relief as he moves away to deal with another issue.
I stand back and look at the tree, trying to figure out the best way to move it without bringing it crashing down on the set. The thought makes me shiver.
The door to the set opens and in walk Scarlett and Kane. Scarlett looks stunning, as always. She's a tall, leggy brunette, her eyes a startling shade of amber. Kane is a typical Hollywood heartthrob with his dark blond hair, blue eyes, and swoon-worthy smile.
"Hey, Charity," Scarlett greets me warmly, taking in the set. "This looks amazing. Great job."
"Thanks," I reply, a little shy in their presence. I've never worked with actors this famous before. "I just need to move this old Christmas tree, and I'll be out of your way. I didn't want it casting a shadow on you both."
Kane grins at me, his eyes sparkling. "Thanks for looking out for us, Charity."
My cheeks heat as I return his smile. "Just doing my job."
"Kane! Scarlett! I need to speak with you." Luca summons as he spots the actors.
"Duty calls. Catch you later." Scarlett winks before she and Kane join Luca.
